Amazing Aerial Photographs by Alfred G. Buckham From The 1920's
Alfred G. Buckham, a pioneer in the field of aerial photography, left an indelible mark on the art form with his innovative techniques and artistic vision. His journey into the skies began with a meticulous selection of the right equipment and an unwavering dedication to perfecting his craft.
Choosing the Right Aircraft
The first crucial step in Buckham's aerial photography process was selecting the appropriate plane. He preferred older aircraft with open cockpits, flying at a sedate speed of 60 to 80 miles per hour. This slower pace allowed him to compose his shots more carefully, capturing landscapes in exquisite detail. Through trial and error, Buckham discovered that flying at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet provided the ideal perspective, balancing detail and broad scenery.
Perfecting the Technique
Buckham honed his aerial photography skills during his service with the Royal Naval Air Service. His vivid accounts of those early days reveal the challenges and triumphs of taking clear photographs at altitude. A key element in his success was the camera he used. Fortunately, Buckham's camera has been preserved, giving us insight into his process. He recommended cameras commonly used by newspaper reporters, which operated at eye level, as opposed to the bulky early models designed for aerial photography.
“The camera best suited to the purpose and the one I usually employ has a F4.5 lens and a large direct vision view-finder the same size as the plate, fitted on the top of the lens panel,” he wrote. He also cautioned that the leather bellows of the camera needed reinforcement with cardboard or aluminum to withstand the forceful winds encountered at high altitudes.
The Choice of Glass Plate Negatives
Buckham's preference for glass plate negatives over the then-emerging photographic film was a conscious decision. He favored double-coated panchromatic plates from the USA, measuring 10.0cm by 12.5cm. Despite their bulk and fragility, these plates provided superior image quality. Throughout his career, Buckham emphasized the unparalleled clarity and detail that glass plates offered.
Crafting "Aerial View of Edinburgh"
One of Buckham's renowned works, "Aerial View of Edinburgh," showcases his meticulous process from negative to final print. Selecting one of many negatives taken above Edinburgh, Buckham focused on the cityscape with minimal sky visible.
This choice was deliberate, as landscape negatives require different exposure levels compared to sky photographs. In his darkroom, he used an enlarger to print a negative of just the cityscape, creating a detailed base for his final image.
The Artistic Touch
The final stage of Buckham's process involved adding artistic touches to the photograph. Using watercolour paints and sometimes ink, he would enhance details and soften transitions between different elements of the image.
In "Aerial View of Edinburgh," the clouds on the horizon were softened to seamlessly blend with the cityscape. Highlights were added to the clouds for dramatic effect, and the lighting below Arthur’s Seat was adjusted to match the sky above. Buckham also used dark watercolour or ink to sharpen key landmarks, ensuring they stood out in the final print.
Unlike other photographers who altered negatives, Buckham added darker tones directly to the print, enhancing specific areas and creating unique pieces of art. He employed a scratching technique reminiscent of Turner, where dark areas were scratched to reveal the lighter paper beneath. This method not only highlighted details but also made each photograph a one-of-a-kind creation.
A Unique Artistic Vision
Buckham's photographs were not merely snapshots of moments in time but carefully crafted pieces of art. He combined known photographic techniques with his unique style, resulting in images that captured the essence of landscapes and cityscapes with unparalleled clarity and artistic flair. His legacy in aerial photography endures, showcasing a blend of technical prowess and artistic ingenuity that continues to inspire photographers today.
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